Goal Setting,
Visualization and Prayer
Copyright © 2003 Howard
Davis Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.
In this article I want to connect the ideas of
goal setting and visualization with prayer. The motivation for doing
this is to add depth, purpose and expectancy to our prayer lives.
I’ve recently been exposed to some very wealthy men and women
who all have one thing in common. They set goals, visualize these goals
and believe that the universe will help them reach the goals they set.
Most of the Christians I know live in self-condemnation
regarding their prayer life. They pray, but not enough, in generalities,
not specifically, and have a low expectation of fulfillment. Many are
almost fatalistic in their approach to life. “If God wills such and such
will happen.”
Low expectancy goes hand in hand with low motivation and
infrequent prayer. It is hard to do something out of a sense of duty
when it provides little perceived benefit. What a contrast with this
group of wealthy individuals! Successful people consistently set,
visualize, and realize their goals.
Maybe our image of prayer is flawed? Maybe our prayer life
should look more like setting goals, visualizing them happening and
believing that the God of the universe who loves me personally wants to
give me a truly abundant life so that I can be a source of abundance to
others!
In fact, I see the process of setting goals, visualizing their
fulfillment, constantly rehearsing them, and believing in their
fulfillment – part of what prayer is. But it is only part.
Prayer starts with the knowledge that God is personal, real,
and approachable. Because of this, He can in my conversation with him,
reveal to me what He has put in my heart and give me specific direction
for grand purposes and daily application. He is the source and enabler
of the fulfillment of my goals.
After the seeking of God for my goals, my prayer life should
look very much like the practice of successful people. I need to
visualize, might I say prophesy, the completed work. I need to rehearse,
work on, take action and believe that my loving God will bring all that
is needed to see its completion. Remember, it is sourced in Him, birthed
from Him. My expectancy should be huge! Too often we limit prayer to
emergencies and do not see it as a crucial part of our success in life.
If we truly want to transform our family we need to transform
our prayers. Get a specific vision for your family. Rehearse
it daily and converse with God about it. Take specific actions
toward its fulfillment. Unleash the creative power that God has
put within you.
I hope this article challenges your image of prayer and moves
you toward the success God wants you to have in every area of your life!
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